FAQs • Wheaton, IL • CivicEngage

Is the setback the same as an easement?: No. Setbacks and easements overlap, although both require structures to be located outside of certain areas on private property. The Zoning Ordinance requires all structures or uses to be “set back” a minimum distance from property lines. An easement, which typically runs along a property line, designates an area where a utility or service provider has the right to access and use private property to locate and maintain a utility service line or installation. No structures can be placed in the easement without approval from all service providers with a right to the easement. For information on building in utility easements, see the Planning Department's handout Approval to Build Within Utility Easements.

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Planning: Single-Family Setbacks & Bulk Regulations

1. What are the setbacks for this single-family property?: The Planning Department's Single Family Residence handout lists how building setbacks are determined for most single-family properties.

2. My plat of survey shows a platted building line. Is this the required setback along the street?: The City does not observe platted building lines in determining zoning setbacks. All setbacks from streets are based on an averaging calculation with existing structures. For more information, see the Single Family Bulk Regulations handout.

3. How can the setbacks of neighboring properties be determined?: Applications for building permit are required to provide documentation of existing setbacks of neighboring properties. If a plat of survey is being prepared or updated for a property, the surveyor should be directed to show the existing street setbacks of neighboring properties on the plat. The City has plats of survey on file for many properties and can check to see if current plats are on file for a specific address. For more information, contact the Planning Department.

4. Where are "setbacks" measured from/to?: Setbacks are measured from property lines to the foundation/wall/porch post of a building or other structure. Because the location of property lines cannot be determined from sight alone, the City requires a Plat of Survey prepared by a surveyor to determine setback dimensions.

5. Is the setback the same as an easement?: No. Setbacks and easements overlap, although both require structures to be located outside of certain areas on private property. The Zoning Ordinance requires all structures or uses to be “set back” a minimum distance from property lines. An easement, which typically runs along a property line, designates an area where a utility or service provider has the right to access and use private property to locate and maintain a utility service line or installation. No structures can be placed in the easement without approval from all service providers with a right to the easement. For information on building in utility easements, see the Planning Department's handout Approval to Build Within Utility Easements.

6. How is FAR (floor area ratio) calculated?: The FAR is calculated as defined under “Floor Area, Gross” in Article 2 of the Zoning Ordinance. See Article 2 of the Zoning Ordinance (PDF) or the Single Family Bulk Regulations handout.

7. Does Wheaton have an impervious surface regulation? What is included in the lot coverage calculation?: Wheaton does not have an impervious surface regulation. “Lot Coverage” only regulates the expanse of roofed structures on a property. Patios, sidewalks, and most other hard surfaces are not included. Driveways are regulated by Article 22.3.2 of the Zoning Ordinance (PDF).